d to prevent the acquittal which
I felt was certain. And I was so afraid of not succeeding that I
employed every argument, good and bad, even that of representing to the
terrified jurymen their own houses in flames, their own flesh and blood
murdered. I spoke of the vengeance of God falling on judges without
severity. And all this in good faith--or rather unconsciously, in a
burst of passion, in an access of anger against the advocate, whom I
hated at that moment with all my might. My success was greater than I
hoped; the jury is ready to obey me; and I, my dear, I have allowed
myself to be congratulated, I have grasped the hands held out to me.
That is what it is to be a magistrate!

MADAME VAGRET. Never mind. Perhaps there aren't ten in all France who
would have acted otherwise.

VAGRET. You are right. Only--if one reflects--it's precisely that that's
so dreadful.

RECORDER [_entering_] Monsieur le Procureur, the President is asking
when the sitting can be resumed.

VAGRET. At once.

MADAME VAGRET. What are you going to do?

VAGRET. My duty as an honest man. [_He makes ready to go_]

CURTAIN.

ACT IV

SCENES--_Same as the Second Act._

SCENE I:-_Bunerat, the President of Assizes, and Vagret._

BUNERAT. Well, your honor, there's another session finished.

THE PRESIDENT [_in red robe_] I've been in a blue funk lest these brutes
would make me lose my train. I'm going shooting to-morrow on the Cambo
Ponds, you see, my dear fellow, and after to-night's train it's no go.
[_Looks at his watch_] Oh, I've an hour and a half yet.

BUNERAT. And what do you think of it, your honor?

THE PRESIDENT. Of what? Of the acquittal? What does it matter to me? I
don't care--on the contrary, I prefer it. I am certain the advocate
won't ferret out some unintentional defect--some formality gone wrong.
Where's my hat-box?

_He is about to stand on a chair to reach the hat-box, which
is on the top of a cupboard. Bunerat precedes him._

BUNERAT. Permit me, Monsieur. You are at home here. [_From the chair_] I
believe I shall have the pleasure of seeing you here again next session.
[_He sighs, holding out the hat-box_]

THE PRESIDENT. A pleasure I shall share, my dear fellow. [_He takes out
a small felt hat from the box_]

BUNERAT. Would you like a brush? There's Mouzon's brush. [_A sigh_] Ah,
good God, when shall I leave Mauleon? I should so like to live at Pau!

THE PRESIDENT. Pooh! A much overrated c